Smith’s emotional Hall of Fame tribute to late mother

Newly inducted rugby league Hall of Famer Cameron Smith has become emotional talking about the recent passing of his mother, on the eve of him receiving his jacket.
Smith joined Melbourne Storm teammates Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater in the prestigious club, but turned back the clock to thank his first supporter, his mother.
It was a big honour for the 430-gamer, who collected three premierships during his decorated career with the Storm.
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“I think she’d be pretty chuffed at this,” Smith said, holding back tears on Wednesday night.
“Every person that comes up on stage tonight to receive their jacket tonight, they don’t get there alone. They get there through the help of many people.
Cameron Smith became emotional when talking about his mum in his Hall of Fame speech. FOX Sports
“The teammates they play with, the coaches, administration … but most importantly, their family.
“Mum was a big part of my life, a big part of my football career. She loved the game of rugby league.”
Smith detailed just how much work his mother put in to kick start his career, becoming a life member of his junior club.
“She was heavily involved in my junior football in particular. She’s a life member of my junior football club, Logan Brothers. She did a tremendous amount of work there for 20-odd years,” he said.
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Billy Slater and Craig Bellamy during a Melbourne Storm NRL training session in 2017. Getty
Smith becomes the 120th member of the Hall of Fame.
Meantime, his former Storm teammate, Billy Slater, who was also inducted on the night, highlighted how important his family was in helping his career flourish.
Slater also played in two of those Storm premierships, while also the Clive Churchill Medal twice and the Dally M Medal.
“Everyone does have their journey. I grew up in a rugby league area and a rugby league family. I don’t remember choosing this game … this game chose me,” Slater said.
“It’s the feeling that it gives you after you achieve something, it’s the feeling it gives you and your family.
“It’s always felt like it’s been a part of me.”
As for the third of the big three, Cronk
Cronk played 371 matches between the Storm and Roosters, winning four premierships and two Dally M Medals.
But it wasn’t always football for Cronk, who gave up a career in plumbing to chase his dream of playing rugby league.
Billy Slater of the Melbourne Storm. Getty
“I am so fortunate and lucky that football took off, because I was a terrible plumber,” Cronk laughed.
“I wasn’t destined to play this game, I was more hopeful that it would turn out they way it did.”
Cronk also had high praise for his family.
“I’m here because of my mum. Every decision she’s made has helped me get here. I’m forever grateful for family,” he said.
The Storm trio each spoke of their gratitude of standing alongside each other to enter the Hall of Fame together.
Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk. Getty
“I arrived at a club that had two Hall of Famers, next to me and a coach that showed us how to work hard,” Cronk said.
“To drive 20 hours and I walked into a team with Cam Smith and Cooper Cronk in it, I got pretty lucky,” Slater added.
Ron Coote was also honoured, becoming the 14th Immortal of the rugby league Hall of Fame.